Adult tennis camps give adult players a chance to master their tennis strokes. After Summer 2023 working with adult tennis players in tennis camps from Mallorca to Portugal one thing is certain. The game is growing and adults are leading the charge. Though mastering the fundamentals still needs a little work.
As a Tennis Director watching a boat load of new adults jump into the game, there’s something I can’t help but notice – whether you’re a total newbie or got a few good rallies under your belt, playing this game confidently and taking the most of it is about nailing the basics.
Forget the whole modern vs. classic tennis technique debate because, honestly, without a solid grip on these fundamental strokes, you WILL find yourself in a jam – a lot.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or intermediate, the key to finding your best game lies in the basics.
Adult Tennis Camps: Focus on your fundamentals
That means your tennis strokes; groundstrokes, volleys, overhead and serve. Your tennis strokes will be played every time you hit the court. So having a blast on court means feeling confident & capable to rally a ball long enough to break a sweat. Or be a reliable partner in a doubles match. Or feel like you can strut your stuff in a local club event or god for bid join a tennis league. Which I highly encourage every adult tennis player to do. Especially if you’re invested in tennis lessons. Think about your tennis strokes as investing in your future game. Because that’s exactly what it is. And the reason why adult tennis camps is a terrific idea for players who want to improve away from home.
Costa del tennis adult tennis camps are built with the adult player in mind. We love working with adults and making you the star of the show. We understand your time constraints, your learning styles, and what you bring naturally to the table. What you bring naturally is what we go directly after around your balance, correct playing grips, contact points and finishing strokes with an emphasis on getting back into the best position for your next shot.
We’ll keep it simple in this post & look at all 6 tennis strokes aimed at only those fundamental points. And intermediate players, I’m talking to you here based on our adult camps so pay attention and know these are the common pitfals holding players back.
Forehand Fundamentals: A deep dive for intermediate players
Ok players let’s talk about everyone’s passion – the forehand tennis stroke. The stroke everyone wants in their backpack.
Day 1 of our adult tennis camp we work the forehand. This stroke is your workhorse. The one you’ll hit – a lot!
Intermediate players looking to take your game up a notch you want that ball to sing as it leaves your racket & not off key!
Let’s chat about your balance. It’s like the foundation of a sturdy house. Without it, things might get a bit shaky. So, when you wind up for that forehand, make sure those feet are planted, and your weight is evenly distributed. Use your non-dominant hand to do that. When one hand/arm takes the racket back … use the other one to balance yourself out in front – evenly.
Now, onto the tennis grip – Eastern or Semi-Western? It’s like choosing the right tool for the job. Eastern is your go-to for a classic feel, while Semi-Western gives you a bit of topspin if you know how to brush it. Find what feels comfy, like your favorite pair of sneakers.
The contact point – oh, it’s a game-changer! Picture this: meeting the ball at the sweet spot, that magical point where power and precision collide. Experiment a bit during practice until you feel the sweet spot consistently – trust me, it’s like finding water in the dessert. Take a peak at the video above. See how he’s making contact out in front? That’s what you want.
Finish strong, my friends! A smooth follow-through with your racket gliding to the other shoulder sets the stage for your recovery step. Wrap up that forehand with finesse, and as you finish, start moving back into position. That way you’re ready for whatever the court throws your way next.
Balance, grip, contact point, and a killer finish – that’s the forehand game plan for you. Practice, tweak, and soon you’ll be unleashing forehand winners like a pro!
Dual Power: Perfecting the two-handed backhand for intermediate players
Alright, backhand time, let’s dive into the art of the swing! For you intermediate players aiming to level up your 2-handed backhand, here’s what you need to know.
Balance is Key: As you prep for that backhand, think solid & balanced. Your feet planted, knees slightly bent – this sets the stage for a backhand that’s as steady as it is powerful. Especially when you keep your head still on contact with the ball.
Grip it Right: The most common grip used for the two-handed backhand in tennis is a combination of an Eastern or Semi-Western grip with the dominant hand (bottom hand) and a Continental grip with the non-dominant hand (top hand). The bottom hand generally holds the racquet with an Eastern grip, while the top hand uses a Continental grip.
Nail the Contact Point: Aim to strike the ball at waist height, arm comfortably extended away from the body. Consistency here is tool to a backhand that commands respect.
Finish with Finesse: A strong finish is your backhand’s grand finale. Snap that wrist upwards on contact, rotate those shoulders, and smoothly follow through off the body and around to the other side. And as you finish, shuffle back into position don’t get stuck watching your last shot.
Precision at the Net: A deep dive into the forehand and backhand volley
Balance at the Net: Ever seen a tightrope walker with wobbly legs? Neither should your opponents when you’re at the net. Have NO Fear! Solid balance is your secret weapon. Keep those knees gently bent, weight forward, ready to pounce on any ball that comes your way.
Grip it Tight: Continental grip for both forehand and backhand volleys is like the perfect handshake – firm and reliable. It gives you the control you need to place those volleys wherever you want on the court.
Contact Point Precision: Imagine you’re catching an egg without breaking it – that’s the delicacy of the volley. Keep the racquet head up (so the face of the strings isn’t pointed towards the net), meet the ball in front of you, and absorb its energy. It’s a dance between control and finesse.
Finish with Finesse: As you make contact, don’t stop the movement – let it flow forwards without swinging. For both forehand and backhand volleys, a smooth follow-through ensures your racquet stays on the right path. And here’s the big one – after the stroke, be nimble on your feet. Shuffle back into position fast, ready for the next move.
And remember NO BALLS BOUNCE up at net. The net is for ending points not rallying them out 🙂
High Flying Balls,? No problem. The overhead’s got you
Balancing Act: Here you want to reach for the stars, but not without a solid base. When setting up for the overhead, plant your feet firmly, shoulder-width apart and get sideways to the incoming high ball. It’s your launchpad, ensuring you’re ready for lift-off.
Grip & Rip: Continental grip is your buddy here. Hold that racquet with confidence, align it with the base knuckle of your index finger, and you’re in business. The grip provides control, allowing you to unleash a powerful overhead with precision.
Contact Point: As the ball descends from the heavens, make contact at the highest point possible and out in front. It’ Reach up, extend your arm, and keep your head up until you’ve made contact above your head. Remember that this shot is called an overhead because it’s meant to be hit over your head. Not as forehand. You have 2 options here in order to do that. Hit the ball out of the air over your head OR let the ball bounce up high again and take it above your head.
Finish with Flair: After the powerful connection, let the stroke breathe. Your follow-through should flow smoothly, guiding the racquet across your body just like your serve. As you wrap up, get ready to slide back into position swiftly. It’s a shot that’s meant to put the ball away – hopefully as a clean winner in time.
Serving Success: A playbook for intermediate players
Balancing Act: Your serve is the opening act of every point, and it starts with a rock-solid foundation. Plant your feet comfortably, weight evenly distributed, and feel the ground beneath you. This is your launchpad for an explosive serve.
Grip it Right: Use the Continental grip.
Contact Point Precision: Aim for a contact point slightly in front out by your front foot. It’s the secret to generating power and accuracy. Point your lead shoulder exactly where you plan to send the ball. Again, keep your head up on the ball until contact. As you get more confident with serving start practice moving the ball around to different places in the box.
Finish with Finesse: After your explosive contact, let your racquet follow through naturally, pointing towards your target with racket gliding across to the other side of your body. Again you’re moving right back into position, primed for your next move behind the baseline not inside no-mans land.
These are your core focus at the intermediate adult playing level. Unsure about what level you actually are? This guide will help you better know. If you’re looking for the right camp to work on each of these foundations with other international adult players like you, check our adult tennis camps dates by playing level.
With love from Mallorca~
